Todd Snyder X Champion Launch at Over The Rainbow

Yesterday, the StyleDemocracy team headed down to denim mecca Over The Rainbow Jeans in Yorkville to catch up with Todd Snyder who has just recently launched an unbelievable collaboration with iconic brand Champion.

If you’ve never heard of Todd Snyder, that’s okay. While his name is slowly becoming more recognized, his influence has been felt in the fashion/menswear industry for a while now. Snyder is well known for his work with J.Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren and was recently named as one of GQ’s Best New Designers in 2012.

A first glimpse of the collection left us impressed. Classic details, mixed with modern tailoring are hallmarks on the collection. With an extensive portfolio Snyder has the ability to collaborate with a multitude of brands but chose Champion.

“[It] was part of my game plan since I set out to do my own thing. I looked at this an an opportunity to really increase my customer base, because everyone knows who Champion is, but nobody really knows who I am.” Snyder says. “Champion is an iconic American Brand equal to Levi’s. Working with Champion was always on my list of things to do. ”

“Champion has always symbolized quality and American Style, Snyder tells us.. ” I love the idea of mixing tailoring with their 1950’s gym issued items. It’s really been like one extended Christmas looking through [Champion’s] storied past.

The collaboration takes inspiration from classic Champion pieces as well as vintage photos from the New York Athletic Club. What’s truly awesome about this collaboration, is that most of it was made in Canada! Snyder chose to make this collection in Canada through WS and Company factory in Toronto.

The first-time collection for fall 2013 features a classic palette of grays, oatmeals, and stone colours accented by rich team colours – crimson, vintage green and washed royal. On each piece, a classic 1950’s champion Label with T. SNYDER stenciled in the back. awesome.

As one of the premier stores in Toronto, Over the Rainbow was an excellent choice to showcase the new collection. “We are thrilled to be carrying this exclusive, Canadian-made menswear collection here at Over The Rainbow,” says Joel Carman, Owner, Over The Rainbow. “We love a revival brand, and being a Yorkville institution for nearly 40 years, we are excited to be able to offer this range from a fellow heritage establishment like Champion combines with the superstar talents of Todd Snyder”.

Over The Rainbow’s Todd Snyder X Champion in-store display was killer, a re-created gym floor housed lockers and benches stacked with Todd Snyder goodies. If that wasn’t enough, local proprietors In Vintage We Trust were on hand to unveil their first vintage art installation, giving customers an opportunity to learn about some of the classic Champion pieces Todd Snyder used as an inspiration for the collection.

So, if you’re looking to step up your style game in the gym, or looking to add classic sportswear pieces into your wardrobe, the collaboration is a must see!